"Naruto, sit still!"

"Sorry, the brush tickles."

"I'm almost done, just... there."

"Finally!"

The blond turned his head to the mirror to examine Katana's work. He blinked at his own reflection. A girl with yellow hair pinned atop her head stared back at him. Her lips were painted red, a deep scarlet, just like the kimono she wore. Clip-on earrings dangled at the side of her face, the jewels of the white ume flower matching the comb in her hair. Gold sparkles colored her eyelids, making the sky-blue of her irises pop out even more. 

"I look... so weird," said Naruto in a crystalline feminine voice. "And kinda cute, too."

He leaned in to watch himself more closely. Pride swelled inside him. He'd been holding the Sexy Jutsu for an hour already, and he felt he could hold it for at least another. Kakashi-sensei had been right. He created the Jutsu, so he could change it to suit his needs. 

"We're not going for cute, we're going for beautiful," said Katana. "Now, come on, stand up."

She rose to her feet in one smooth motion. Her blue kimono flowed down like a waterfall, making the koi on the lower part swim in the fabric. Naruto stared up at her in awe. He wondered if Katana knew what she looked like when she said they were going for beautiful. She was absolutely stunning. If this wasn't the first time seeing her, Naruto would've believed her an angel, or one of those nature spirits from those old fairy tales. 
Her long, black hair was in a similar bun as his was. Underneath the light in the room, there was a peculiar reddish shine in her tresses, which only complimented the koi hairpin even more. She wore no jewelry, but she didn't need to. Not when the thin silver line on her eyelids glistened like diamonds. Her sickly pallor was gone, and she looked less tired too. It was amazing what make-up could do when applied by skilled hands.

Katana cleared her throat. Naruto blushed furiously when he realized he'd been gawking and grabbed hold of her hand, letting her pull him up. Once he stood, he snuck another peek into the mirror. Seeing Katana right next to him while he was posing as a girl was uncanny. Almost creepy, even. Had he subconsciously thought of his best friend when performing his new Sexy Jutsu? 

"Here."

Katana's voice disrupted Naruto's train of thought. She held out a pair of okobo. He scrunched his nose at the four inch wooden sandals. How the hell did she expect him to walk on those?

"I don't know, Katana." Naruto scratched the back of his neck. "These don't look too comfortable. Can't I just wear my own sandals?" 

"No," she said. "We can't risk anyone recognizing them as standard issue genin sandals. A maiko's kimono isn't long enough to cover them. Try them on for size."

Naruto heaved a sigh as Katana placed them on the ground for him. He slid his sock-covered feet into the red straps and almost keeled over. Katana caught him by his flailing arms and held him upright. 

"Balance your weight between the balls and heels of your feet," she instructed. "You'll be less likely to tip forward then."

"Okay, I think... yeah, I got it," said Naruto as he shuffled his feet to the exact middle of the okobo. "Hey, this is kinda like chakra-control training, only less energy draining."

"Well, I wouldn't know about that, would I?"

He winced at Katana's brusque reply. Her lacking chakra and not being a shinobi was a sore subject on any day, but in her current mood, his comment probably hadn't landed well. "Sorry, I didn't mean to —" 

"Naruto, can you please shut up already?"

He stared at her, perplexed at the way Katana snapped at him. And it wasn't just him. She'd yelled at Sasuke and Sakura as well, and had barely spoken two words on their way here. She'd walked by Kakashi-sensei the entire time, too. Something was definitely wrong. 
Katana only rarely showed her true feelings to anyone other than him, and possibly Sasuke. The rigorous life in the okiya had prepared her to become a perfect picture of grace and beauty, to keep her emotions in check at all times. But the mask of the geisha Mameha had forced her to wear was cracking.

"Katana, what's going on?" asked Naruto. 

She sighed. "Nothing, I'm —"

"No, don't say you're fine. I may not be the brightest of the bunch, but I do pay attention to my best friend. I've known you long enough to notice when something's the matter."

"There's nothing," insisted Katana. "I just want to get through this mission and return to the Leaf."

But Naruto wouldn't be deterred. "Is it Mameha? Or Kitiara?"

"Naruto, enough."

"Whatever it is, you know you can talk to me, right? I'm not perfect Sasuke, but I —"

"STOP!"

The little jar Katana had dropped her make-up brushes in cracked open. Water trickled out from the small rift, wetting the carpet beneath their feet. With a last scowl at Naruto, Katana huffed and knelled again to clean up the mess. He watched her quietly, unsure of what the heck had just happened. 
A knock on the open door almost made Naruto jump. He turned around to find his teacher on the threshold. Kakashi's uncovered Sharingan roved over him and Katana. A shiver ran down Naruto's spine. Why did it feel like he'd been plunged into ice?

"Is everything all right here?" inquired the silver-haired Jōnin.

Katana answered before Naruto could. "Just fine. We're done, so we can leave whenever you guys are ready."

As on cue, Sakura and Sasuke appeared as well. Kakashi stepped aside, allowing them into the room. Naruto's pink-haired teammate gasped loudly when she saw him. 

"Wow, that's so freaky!" she exclaimed, clearly impressed. "Naruto, you and Katana could actually be sisters with how you look now!"

"You think so?"

"Well, yeah. Only your hair is different. And those whisker-markings on your face."

"A good observation, Sakura," remarked Kakashi. "Katana, maybe you should —"

"No," interrupted the maiko in a tone that made all three raise a brow. "We're wasting time."

She whirled round, her kimono rustling, the koi dancing wildly. But she barely set one foot towards the door before coming to a full stop. A brief flicker of panic spread across her expression. She was quick to hide it, but Naruto had still noticed. He followed her gaze.
The last member of Team 7, who hadn't uttered as much as a single sound so far, had his Sharingan activated. Those blood-red Uchiha eyes were filled with murderous intent. When Naruto realized in horror Sasuke wasn't looking at Katana, but at him, he recoiled. It was only thanks to Katana's quick reflexes that he didn't smack against the mirror after tipping back in his sandals. 

Something in Sasuke broke then. Naruto didn't know what it was, but the rage changed to sheer heartbreak in a single snap as that threatening glare shifted from him to Katana. He was shocked to see actual tears brimming in his teammate's dark eyes.
Sakura carefully edged closer, but before she could lay a hand on him, Sasuke ran away. She chased after him, calling out his name. Surprisingly, Kakashi didn't move. Not immediately, anyway. He threw Katana a sideways glance and said, "Can you join me for a minute? I want to go over the plan one more time."

"Yes, sensei," she said. 

"Hey, wait, what about Sasuke?" questioned Naruto. "What just happened?"

"He'll be fine," said Katana as shoved him back up. "Remember to balance your feet. Meet us outside."

Naruto opened his mouth again, but she was already following Kakashi out, leaving him alone in the room. He exhaled slowly. This was going to be a hell of a night.

***

By the time Katana and Naruto finally stepped through the grand doors of the nobleman's palace, the sun had long set. Lanterns illuminated the cherry tree path from the gates of the property to the entrance. Hundreds of people had gathered to celebrate the birth of the nobleman's daughters and were feasting heartily on the lavish refreshments. Katana observed them all, her blue eyes peering over her unfolded fan. Her target hid among the masses, believing none could touch him in such a crowd. The fool... 

"Dammit," cursed Naruto underneath his breath. "These sandals are a pain to walk on. How are your feet not killing you?"

"I received training to wear them," murmured Katana. "Now shush, and let me concentrate." 

She ignored her friend's peeved expression and continued her search for. If she wanted to question the thief before neutralizing him, she had to be quick about it. Her window of opportunity was small as it was, and this could be her only chance to learn more about this Orochimaru character and his connection to Itachi Uchiha. Gathering that intel was the only reason Sasuke would forgive her.

"Hey, Katana." Naruto nudged her.

"What is it now?"

"Nothing, just... thanks for trusting me to help you with the mission."

Katana's heart twisted in her chest. Her teeth grazed over her lip. She sighed, painfully aware she'd been an absolute harpy to her friend. To both of them. Not for the first time that day, she swallowed back her tears. 

"Thank you for being with me," whispered Katana. "I'm sorry for... everything."

"It's okay," said Naruto. "I know you need to focus right now, but can we talk when we're back in the inn? Alone?"

Oh, Naruto... please don't make this any harder than it already is. 

"Katana?"

The maiko was about to reply when she spotted a figure hiding behind a pillar on the first-floor balcony. The man was dressed like any of the other servants weaving their way through the crowd, but he was the only one carrying nothing in his hands. She squinted. Dark-brown messy hair, a scar on the left cheek... No doubt about it. 

"I found him," she said. "We need to go upstairs."

"Wait," Naruto halted her by her arm, "I haven't done my Shadow-Clone Jutsu. We didn't get the okay from Kakashi-sensei yet."

Katana ignored and pulled him along. Naruto almost slipped a few times because of the okobo, and Katana had half a mind to tell him to just throw the damn things aside, but she couldn't risk anyone asking questions about a discarded pair of shoes found near the scene of a crime. They had to walk out the same way they came in, and it only took one well-trained guard to find them. 
When they finally arrived at the top of the stairs, Katana forced Naruto behind a pillar and held her fan against his mouth so he'd keep his mouth shut. Her eyes never left her target. He hadn't even noticed someone was on this floor with him yet. 

"Naruto, I need you to listen to me and do exactly as I tell you," she whispered. "Put your arm around my shoulders and lean on me as if you're sick. I'll carry you past him and ask for help. He'll probably let us into one of these rooms. When he does, I'll take care of everything. You don't say or do anything. Just stand by the door and keep guard, understood?"

He nodded. Just then, radio static crackled in her ear. She grunted in frustration. Kakashi had the worst timing ever!

"We're in position," said the adult ninja over their comms. "Naruto, you're up. Remember, as many clones as you can summon at once."

With a hesitant glance at Katana, Naruto held his index and middle fingers together in a cross-like sign and closed his eyes. Though Katana wanted nothing more than to tell him to hurry, she couldn't disturb his concentration. His mastery of one of the most complex Jutsu a Hidden Leaf shinobi could perform was being tested, as he had to create an army of clones around the perimeter of the property as himself, and not as his current Sexy Jutsu appearance. If he failed, the others would as well, and then they wouldn't get the chakra-tool the thief stole back. Naruto would never forgive himself for that. Their missions were aligned, whether Katana liked it or not.

"Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu."

Naruto opened his eyes, staring right into Katana's. They waited, their chest rising slowly in anticipation. Lights flickered atop each pillar. The guards below moved silently, ensuring the party wouldn't be disturbed. Kakashi's voice echoed then, "Good job. The clones are triggering the alarms everywhere. Continue with the mission. Rendez-vous at the inn in thirty minutes, and make sure you aren't followed. Over and out."

That was all they needed. Naruto swung his arm around Katana's shoulders and gripped his stomach with the other. They ventured out on the landing, with Naruto's pained groans instantly drawing the target's attention. 

"Oh, excuse me." Katana waved at him. "Can you open one of these rooms for us? My sister needs to lie down for a bit."

"I, um..."

"Please, sir." Naruto looked up with batting eyelids and a pouting lip. "Won't you help me?"

"Well... all right, come this way."

The thief beckoned the 'sisters' to a door further down the corridor. Katana exchanged a quick glance with Naruto, who continued to moan with each step they took. She made a mental note to compliment his performance later. His Sexy Jutsu really turned out to be far more valuable than anyone gave it credit. 
They followed the target into a parlor, probably used for entertaining guests. The tatami mats were in a soft earth hue, a little table with pillows around standing proudly in the middle. Against the far wall, and underneath the only window, stood a green velvet settee. All the other walls held picturesque tableaus of the countryside. Katana was grateful she didn't have her sword with her. Bloodstains were a pain to clear, and she would've hated to ruin such a lovely decor.

The moment all three were inside the room, Katana sprang into action. She slipped away from Naruto and punched the thief against his sternum, right underneath his throat. He made a sickening choked gurgle and dropped to his knees, gripping his throat as if that would somehow keep the oxygen in. With a fell swoop, Katana then kicked the door shut and threw her fan to Naruto. He deftly caught it and quickly took position next to the door.
Swiftly as a snake, the maiko dove to the thief as he reached inside his vest. Before he could retrieve whatever weapon he'd hidden there, she struck the pressure points on his shoulders, rendering his arms two useless limbs, and then kicked his chin with her knee. The thief fell backward and was pinned down when Katana quickly placed that same knee on his chest. She pushed down hard, making it even more difficult for him to scream or even breathe. 

"N-No, please," he uttered with a strained groan. "I-I was only following orders."

"Orders given by Orochimaru, correct?" Katana leaned down, the needle now in her hand moving dangerously close to his left eye. "Where were you to take the stone you stole?"

"P-Please, don't kill me."

"Your death is not up for debate. What is, is whether you die quick and painless, or slowly... and in excruciating agony."

The tip of Katana's needle teased the thief's eyelashes. She scowled back at his whimper. Of course this pathetic, stuttering mess would've needed the Sand's invasion as a distraction. Cowardice was written all over his imploring expression. 

"Where were you to take the item you stole?" she demanded. 

"H-Here," answered the thief. "I was to... l-leave it in a room in the west wing of the palace a-and then slip out after the festivities. L-Lord Orochimaru arranged f-for this servant's attire."

"Is the nobleman in league with Orochimaru?"

"I-I-I don't know."

"Who was to pick up the item? Do you know where Orochimaru is?"

"No, I know nothing else, I swear!"

"Katana," Naruto hesitantly drew near, "maybe you shouldn't..."

She shot him down with a single menacing glare. Was it really so hard for him to keep his goddamn mouth shut and keep watch like she'd ordered?
Cries suddenly reached them from the open window. Naruto hurried over, almost tripping twice over his okobo sandals. He made sure no one saw him and peered over the edge.

"They're searching the grounds," he said. "We gotta hustle."

Katana turned back to the thief. "If you have nothing else to say, you're of no further use to me."

"Nonono, wait!" he exclaimed. "T-There's a man. Dark-gray hair, round glasses. H-He arranged everything."

That description... Sounded like Orochimaru's henchman, Kabuto. Kakashi told her about him. He was the one who tried to kill Sasuke after the second round of the Chunin Exams. If she found him, she'd find Orochimaru, and if she found Orochimaru... he could lead her straight to Itachi Uchiha.

"Where is he?" growled Katana. 

"W-We met at the Fire Temple."

The Fire Temple... that's near to the Leaf. I could make a round-trip in one night. If I take the tunnel underneath the okiya and have Kagami pose as me again, Mameha would never even suspect I was gone. 

"Please," the thief sobbed. "I-I have a little sister. They said they'd cure her i-if I did this for Lord Orochimaru."

Katana's jaw clenched. As suspected, Orochimaru had only used this man as a patsy. He was an acceptable loss. One who was of no further use to the maiko. But right as she prepared to stick the needle into his eye, Naruto's fingers closed around Katana's wrist. Her head jerked up to him, eyes blazing furiously, and she hissed, "What the hell do you think you're doing?" 

"Don't do it," he said. "You're not a cold-blooded killer, Katana. His sister needs him. Just let him go."

Katana narrowed her eyes. He couldn't possibly be this naïve. But the deeper she looked into Naruto's insistent blue gaze, the more she realized he truly was trying to prevent her from going down this road. 
Had this been her first kill, Katana might've hesitated. Had she been a common kunoichi of the Leaf, she might've shown mercy. But geisha fulfilled the mission without fail. Failure only led to punishment and death. And Katana wasn't willing to risk either. But... Naruto didn't need to know that right now. He'd learn soon enough. 

"All right," she said. "Let's go."

She rose to her feet and held out her hand for her fan. Naruto grinned widely, gladly handing it over. He opened the door and gave the all clear while Katana released the paralysis on the thief. He gasped aloud, stuttering and weeping in gratitude. Her kimono rustled over him as she walked toward Naruto. When she caught the man getting up from the corner of her eye, she opened her fan with a fluttering swish. The needle hidden in the folds nicked its target without fail. He never noticed. And more importantly, neither did Naruto. 

By the time she closed the door, the poison had already spread to the thief's heart. By the time two teenage twin girls ventured into the night, their path illuminated by cherry tree lanterns, he would blow his last breath. And come morning, the stiff and pale body of the thief would be discovered by a young serving girl, the instrument of his death forever buried in the impossibly small crevice between two tatami mats.